Makadi Bay: Horse Riding in Desert & Sea w Guide + Transfers

Makadi Bay gives you two very different riding scenes in one short outing: golden desert under the sun, then the Red Sea glittering nearby. The ride lasts about two hours, while the full experience takes three hours with hotel pickup and return to Hurghada.

I like the clear contrast between sand and sea, and I like the attention many riders received from guides such as Didi and Anita. Confident riders may get a chance to canter or gallop, while beginners can receive closer help. The main concern is consistency: one rider reported missing water, helmets being supplied only when requested, and a pace that was too fast for beginners. Ask for a helmet and confirm your riding level before setting off.

Key points to know before you book

• Desert and seaside riding: The route combines open sand with views of the Red Sea, giving the outing more variety than a short arena ride.
• Two hours in the saddle: The total tour lasts three hours, but riding time is about two hours, with the rest used for transfers and preparation.
• Guides named Didi and Anita: These guides received especially warm praise for calm instruction, safety, and personal care.
• Suitable for mixed abilities: Beginners can receive close support, while experienced riders may be allowed to canter or gallop.
• Hotel pickup from Hurghada: Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a Gamila Horse signboard.
• Check safety details first: Helmets, water, horse welfare, and the stated 100 kilogram limit deserve a quick confirmation before you ride.

Desert sand, sea air, and a two-hour ride

Horse riding in Makadi Bay works because the setting does much of the talking. The desert is broad and quiet, with golden sand, scattered plant life, and the steady beat of hooves. Then the Red Sea appears on the horizon, adding blue sparkle and a fresh breeze to an otherwise dry scene.

You are not signing up for a long historical tour or a visit to major ruins. The experience is about movement, scenery, and the simple pleasure of riding outdoors. The description refers to ancient ruins in the wider setting, but it does not promise a detailed archaeological visit, so book this for the horse ride rather than for guided history.

The full outing takes three hours. About two hours are spent riding, which is a useful amount of saddle time for a $35 experience. You get enough time to settle into the horse and enjoy the change from desert to shore without giving up an entire day of your holiday.

That length also matters if you are new to riding. Two hours can feel substantial, especially in warm weather. You may enjoy the views and the steady rhythm, but you should not expect a quick photo stop with only a few minutes in the saddle.

From Hurghada hotel lobby to Makadi Bay

Pickup is included from Hurghada. You are told to wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a sign with the name Gamila Horse. That small detail is useful in a resort area where several operators may be collecting people at the same time.

The transfer takes you from Hurghada toward Makadi Bay, in the Red Sea Governorate. The activity itself begins once you arrive at the riding location, where the guide introduces you to your horse and prepares you for the outing.

The exact transfer time and group size are not provided, so leave a little flexibility around the three-hour estimate. Hotel pickup is convenient, but the clock starts to matter if you have a dinner booking, airport transfer, or another excursion later that day.

Several riders found the pickup punctual and uncomplicated. That is especially valuable in Hurghada, where a reliable hotel collection removes much of the usual guesswork. Still, wait at reception rather than outside the hotel, and keep the booking name handy in case the driver arrives while the lobby is busy.

Meeting your horse before the trail

The first important moment is not the view. It is the introduction to your horse. Each animal is described as having its own personality, with some horses gentle and steady and others more spirited. Your guide should use this meeting to judge how much assistance you need.

This is where you should be direct. Tell the guide if you are a complete beginner, if you have ridden only a few times, or if you are comfortable at a faster pace. The best part of the experience, according to the most positive accounts, was the way guides adjusted their help to different abilities.

One particularly useful detail comes from a mixed-ability outing. An experienced rider was allowed to gallop, while a mother with no riding experience received extra attention without being pushed beyond her comfort level. The guide sometimes took the reins and checked that everything was going well.

That is the right model for this kind of ride. A beginner should not be treated like an experienced rider just because the group is moving together. If you are new to horses, ask for a slower start and make sure the guide understands that before leaving the stable.

The horses were described by several riders as calm, well behaved, and in good condition. That is encouraging, but horse welfare is still something you can observe for yourself. Check that the animal has water and is not left standing in strong sun for a long time before the ride.

Riding through the Makadi Bay desert

Once you leave the starting point, the ride settles into a simple pattern: hoofbeats, open sand, sun, and plenty of space. The desert may feel quiet rather than packed with sights. That is part of its appeal, but it also means the value comes from the atmosphere rather than a list of landmarks.

The golden sand gives the ride a strong sense of place. You are not simply circling a fenced paddock. You are moving through an open desert setting with the Red Sea somewhere ahead or alongside you.

The guide is important here. In a broad, exposed setting, you want someone who can keep the group together and manage different riding levels. Didi received praise for being friendly and reassuring, while Anita was singled out for careful guidance. Their names are useful to know, but availability may vary on your date.

The pace can change. Confident riders may be offered a canter or gallop, and one rider described the freedom of moving quickly through the desert and along the beach as the highlight of the trip. If that sounds appealing, tell the guide about your experience before the horse starts moving.

Do not assume that everyone in the group will be ready for a fast pace. One serious complaint described complete beginners being asked to gallop after only a few minutes. That account conflicts with the more careful experiences, so your best protection is to state your limits clearly and insist on a slower pace if needed.

Along the Red Sea shore

The seaside section gives the trip its strongest visual change. After the warm, dry feel of the desert, the breeze from the Red Sea makes the ride feel lighter. The water sparkles in the distance, and the sound of hooves provides a calm soundtrack.

The supplied details do not promise swimming with the horses or riding in the water. Treat this as a desert and seaside ride, not a water activity. If entering the sea is important to you, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming it is included.

This part should suit photographers and first-time riders who want a clear sense of place. The desert can look similar from one stretch to another, but the water adds a strong horizon and gives you a better range of scenery during the two-hour ride.

You may also find the beach section more exposed to sun and wind. Wear practical clothing, protect your skin, and bring only what you can safely carry. The tour includes water, but one rider reported that the promised drink was not provided, so confirm refreshments if that matters to you.

What the $35 price really includes

At $35 per person, the price is fair if you want a compact riding experience with transport. You receive hotel pickup, the horse ride, an English-speaking guide, safety gear, water, and a welcome drink listed among the inclusions.

The value is strongest for people staying in Hurghada who would otherwise need to arrange transport to Makadi Bay. A two-hour ride is also more substantial than a brief photo opportunity. If the desert and sea setting is your main goal, the price covers the central experience without requiring a full-day commitment.

The value is less certain if you are an experienced rider looking for technical instruction, long-distance riding, or a private outing. No private group, advanced lesson, meal, or extended ride is specified. Food is not included, so plan to eat separately.

There is also a small gap between the advertised inclusions and one reported experience. A German rider said the drink was not provided. Water is also listed, but a separate complaint raised concerns about horses waiting without water. I would confirm both human refreshments and horse care at the start rather than treating the inclusion list as a guarantee of how every departure will run.

Safety, helmets, and horse welfare

The experience includes safety gear, but one rider reported that a helmet was supplied only after asking. You should not wait. Request a properly fitted riding helmet before mounting, even if the staff does not offer one immediately.

A second safety concern is pace. Cantering and galloping can be thrilling for a capable rider, but they are not suitable for everyone. If you are a beginner, say so plainly and ask to remain at a walking pace until you feel secure.

There is no official rider weight information in the supplied activity details. One complaint referred to a 100 kilogram limit and said it was not applied. If you are close to or above that figure, contact Gamila Horseriding before booking and ask for the current policy. This is better for your safety, the horse’s welfare, and a smooth arrival.

The complaint about horses standing in the sun without water is serious. It is not consistent with the positive descriptions of well-cared-for horses, but it should not be ignored. Look at the horses before the ride. If one appears distressed, overheated, or poorly equipped, raise the issue with the guide before getting on.

These checks take only a minute and do not spoil the mood. They help you enjoy the ride with more confidence.

How the guides shape the experience

A good guide can turn a basic trail ride into a comfortable introduction to Egypt’s desert. The strongest guide feedback centered on personal care, clear reassurance, and the ability to help riders with different levels of experience.

Didi was praised for being friendly and attentive. Anita was described as a very good guide who helped create a safe, relaxed outing. Another rider appreciated that the guides asked often if everything was fine and took the reins when needed.

The official tour language is English. Still, one rider reported that the guide did not speak English. That is another point worth confirming if clear spoken instruction is important to you, particularly if you are a complete beginner.

The guides may also take videos during the ride. One rider specifically appreciated the quality of the videos, which can be a nice extra when you are too busy holding the reins to take pictures yourself. This is not listed as a formal inclusion, so consider it a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed service.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would recommend this outing to a few clear types of people:

• First-time riders who want a scenic introduction and are willing to ask for a slow, closely supervised pace.
• Confident recreational riders who want the chance to canter or gallop in a desert and seaside setting.
• Couples and families with mixed ability, provided every rider’s comfort level is explained before departure.
• Hurghada visitors with half a day free, since the tour takes three hours and includes transport.
• Photographers and outdoor fans who want desert light, sea views, and a quieter activity than a busy boat trip.

I would be more cautious if you need guaranteed English instruction, have a strict weight requirement, or expect a highly regulated riding school. The experience seems to depend partly on the guide assigned that day.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule against your hotel plans.

Food is not included. The listed inclusions are the ride, guide, welcome drink, water, safety gear, and pickup. Since one person did not receive the advertised drink, bring your own backup water if you prefer not to rely on a stop or staff handout.

The activity is in English, and pickup is from Hurghada. At the hotel, wait at reception and look for the Gamila Horse signboard. That is the simplest way to avoid missing the driver.

Should you book the Makadi Bay ride?

Book it if you want two hours on horseback, broad desert views, a Red Sea backdrop, and a short transfer from Hurghada. The $35 price is attractive when pickup and safety gear are included, and the experience can work well for both beginners and riders who want a faster pace.

Before you go, ask for a helmet, state your riding level, confirm the English-speaking guide, and check the current weight policy if relevant. Also make sure the horses have water and are ready to ride, not waiting in the sun for long periods.

My call: this is a promising, good-value outing with some excellent guide experiences, but it deserves a careful safety check at the start. If the staff responds well to those questions, the combination of desert, sea, and saddle time makes it a worthwhile Makadi Bay choice.

FAQ

Where does the horseback riding take place?

The ride takes place in Makadi Bay in Egypt’s Red Sea Governorate, where the desert meets the Red Sea.

How long does the full activity last?

The full activity lasts three hours, including pickup and return to Hurghada. The horseback ride itself lasts about two hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from Hurghada hotels. Wait at your hotel reception for a driver holding a Gamila Horse signboard.

What language does the guide speak?

The activity lists an English-speaking live guide. The stated tour language is English.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

The experience is presented as suitable for different riding levels. Some beginners received close help, but you should state your experience clearly and request a slow pace if needed.

Can experienced riders gallop?

Some riders were allowed to canter or gallop through the desert and along the sea. This depends on your ability, the guide, and the conditions on the day.

Are helmets and safety gear included?

Safety gear is included. One rider reported needing to ask for a helmet, so request one before mounting.

Are drinks provided?

Water and a welcome drink are listed as included. One rider reported that the promised drink was not provided, so confirm refreshments when you arrive.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the activity price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.